Sattler bill aims to prevent sexual assault, harassment in bars
A private members bill re-introduced in provincial parliament Tuesday aims to protect patrons and staff at licenced establishments from sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The Safe Night Out Act would require anyone who works in an establishment that serves liquor to be trained in evidence-based and trauma informed sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention.
The bill is co-sponsored by Ontario New Democrat MPPs Peggy Sattler of London West and Kristin Wong-Tam of Toronto Centre.
“Alcohol is the number one date rape drug that is currently used, but we also have to look at it from a lens of safety,” said Wong-Tam at a Queens Park news conference.
“It gives the government a legislative framework to make places where liquor is served safer for the patrons who are most at risk of sexual violence and harassment, who are predominantly female and often young, as well as the workers who serve them,” explained Sattler.
The bill has been updated from its 2017 version. The biggest change is that it would not be part of the Smart Serve program. According to the bill’s sponsors, training would be free for staff and licence holders.
Dave Monture, who owns and operates the Wortley Roadhouse in London, Ont., said it would be good idea. But he added that some of its elements are already covered by existing laws, at least when it comes to protecting staff.
“Ministry of Labour already has us post harassment in the workplace policy and programs, so that is kind of already in place,” he said. “Sexual harassment is part of the program.”
A number of organizations are lending their support to the bill, including the London Abused Women’s Centre, Anova London, and the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children.
The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance also applauds the bill as a step in making outings safer for students.
“When students go out to their local bar or restaurant they should feel liberated to have fun without their sense of safety being compromised,” said executive director Malika Dhanani.
It’s not yet determined who would conduct the training, should the bill get passed. A spokesperson for the Ontario NDP told CTV News London it could be violence against women organizations, unions, or a combination of both.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.